ALMOST 150 empty shoes will act as a stark reminder of the growing number of diabetes sufferers in Southampton who are undergoing amputations as a result of the disease.

The shoes will be on show as part of a demonstration by charity Diabetes UK at the Bargate today in protest at the city’s poor record on caring for diabetics.

Figures show that Southampton Care Commissioning Group (CCG) has the seventh highest rate of amputations in England and Diabetes UK claim the situation is getting worse.

There have been 148 amputations due to diabetes in Southampton Andrew Ross over the past three years but an estimated 80 per cent of these could have been prevented, claim Diabetes UK if the CCG introduced a 24-hour specialist foot care team.

Diabetes UK claims that neighbouring CCGs Fareham, Gosport and West Hampshire have been able to improve their previously poor amputation records by introducing such a team.

The shoes due be used in the demonstration include those belonging to local amputees and some donated by Hampshire celebrities including TV presenters Sally Taylor and Fred Dinenage.

A spokesman for Southampton CCG said: “We acknowledge that we need to make improvements to amputation rates and we have been working with Diabetes UK, local people and GPs to address this. We have also been involved in local diabetes awareness events, speaking to people about foot care.”

The CCG has agreed to meet with campaigners at the civic centre to discuss their concerns and will be handed shoes by amputees. Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith will also be there to meet one of his constituents the amputee Christine Bartlett.

Anyone with comments about the service can contact Patient Experience Team on 023 8029 6066 or SOCCG.patientexperienceservice@nhs.net.